The Monroe City School Board argues that it is not in contempt of court regarding an ongoing consent decree.

On June 24, the U.S. Department of Justice asked U.S. District Judge Robbie James to have the MCSB, its members and Superintendent Brent Vidrine to show why they are not in violation of an ongoing consent decree.

In the reply, MCSB attorney Doug Lawrence said the board feels Vidrine, who they rely on to implement the decree and provide information to the independent court monitor, has assured them that the district is either in full or substantial compliance with desegregation obligations. Vidrine and his staff, Lawrence said, a prepared to show evidence of compliance and defend instances where partial, if not total, total compliance was reached.

"The submissions to be offered will demonstrate the absence of any conscious refusal or indifference on the part of the superintendent, his staff and members of the school board, in complying with desegregation obligations," Lawrence wrote.

According to the DOJ, the district has failed to meet 18 of 20 deadlines set forth in the consent decree, including failure to: take the required steps to desegregate the faculty, adequately improve the Carroll High School Medical Magnet Program, equalize access to specialized academic programs and provide information and personnel needed to the independent court monitor. The DOJ also filed 32 sealed exhibits in the case.

Additionally, Lawrence argued that civil contempt would not be an appropriate finding because the board does not require coercion to comply with the court's order nor would the action help compensate someone harmed by "contemptuous conduct."

In further argument against a contempt ruling, Lawrence cites:

the numerous goals set by the decree,

the relative inexperience of the current board and superintendent,

limitations on the board's power set by state law,

the degree of compliance achieved and

good faith instances of misinterpretation or error of understanding obligations.

A hearing on the matter is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday at the federal court house at 201 Jackson St., Monroe. James has issued a subpoena for Phedra Brantley, executive director for the office of human resources for Monroe City Schools.